Coding arrangement



Dev 3,1963 H. mass 3,112,821

CODING ARRANGEMENT Filed June 19, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 -Gm@@@w@@@@@ @@@wwwmmm l@ @@@WCQMMQWQ y @@@ca@@@@@w@@g @yr/ Y f 3, 1963 H. HEss comme ARRANGMNT 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 19,' 1961 N w x 6 Q Filed June 19, 1961 H. HESS CODING ARRANGEMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent O 3,112,821 CUDNG ARRANGEMENT Hans Hess, Wiihelmshaven, Germany, assigner to @Eympiay Werke AG., Wilhelmshaven, Germany Filed .lune 19, 1961, Ser. No. 160,964 Claims priority, application Germany .inne 23, 1960 24 Claims. (Cl. 197--1.5)

The present invention concerns a coding arrangement, particularly suitable for being incorporated in a business machine, and a business machine comprising a coding arrangement and particularly a business machine of the type of typewriters, adding machines and similar machines, particularly electrically operated typewriters, for the purpose of converting the items of information which are typed or printed, as for instance characters, gures and symbols, as well as special control commands introduced by the operation of special keys, into coded electrical signals composed of a predetermined code element combination representing the items of information lwhich are being typed or the special control commands introduced into the machine.

Thereexist well-known code converting or translating arrangements for converting information introduced in accordance with one code system into output signals according toa different code system. Also there are known devices for converting items of information which are printed by means of a keyboard machine into electrical code element signal combinations.

However, it has been found that all these known devices are not entirely satisfactory. One of the reasons for this disadvantage of known devices is that the known arrangements are rather involved and call for an excesv sive number of electrical components which greatly inment which can easily and at comparatively low cost be incorporated into a standard business machine and may even be added as an accessory to an existing business machine. A further disadvantage of known devices consists in the fact that the manual operation of the keys of a keyboard producing printed records of items of information cannot be carried out Without substantial differences between the time period applying to the actuation of different keys by the operator whereby in many cases the proper generation of coded output signals is greatly impaired.

Itis therefore a main object of the present invention to provide for a coding arrangement, particularly suitable for being incorporated in `a business machine, and for a business machine incorporating a coding arrangement of the above described type,`which avoids all the above mentioned disadvantages.

It is a further objectof this invention to provide for such an arrangement which requires a comparatively small number of more or less standard components, requiring comparatively small space and therefore permitting their incorporation into a standard business machine of the above mentioned types or even to be mounted as an accessory in an existing standard business machine.

With above objects in view a coding arrangement, y

ones of said code element output means, respectively, representing different code signals respectively associated with different ones of said items of information; a source of energy; and circuit means operatively interconnecting said source of energy, said current interrupting means of said information input means, and said code element output means for operating the latter upon actuation of any one of said information input means, said circuit means including selector means responding to actuation of any one of said information input means and to the resulting actuation of the respective circuit interrupting means irrespective of the duration of the resulting circuit interruption, and for rendering, upon actuation of a particular one of said information input means, at least one selected one of said code element output means ready for being changed from inoperative condition to operative condition so as to predetermine thereby a particular combination of operative and inoperative code element output means which represents the same item of information as said particular actuated information input means, and control means actuable by any one of said information input means for connecting, upon actuation of said particular information input means, said source of energy with those selected code element output means which are rendered ready for being changed from inoperative to operative condition within said particular combination thereof, and for thereby effecting the change of said selected code element output means from inoperative to operative condition, .whereby a code signal is delivered by said selected code element output means which represents the same item of information as the particular information input means that is being actuated.

In another aspect of kthis invention, a business machine adapted to be used for printing different items of information such as characters, figures and symbols, includes a coding arrangement, comprising, according to the invention, in combination, a plurality of control means comprising information input means including each a type printing member movable between an idle position and a printing position, each of said information input means being respectively associated With different items of information and each including at least one and a maximum of two normally closed circuit interrupting means operable by the respective pninting member and opening the respective circuit for an indefinite periodvof time upon actuation of the respective information input means resulting in moving the respective printing member to its pninting position; a plurality of code element output means changeable between an inoperative and an operative condition, selected combinations of operative ones and inoperative ones of said code element output means, respectively, representing different code signals respectively associated with dierent ones of said :items of information; a source of energy; and circuit means operatively interconnecting said source of energy, said current interrupting means of said information input means, and said code element output means for operating the latter upon actuation of any of said information input means, said circuit means including selector means responding to actuation of any one of said information input means and to the resulting actuation of the respective circuit.

.information input means for connecting, upon actuation of said particular information input means, said source of energy with those selected code element output means which are rendered ready for being changed from inoperative to operative condition within said particular combination thereof,and for thereby effecting the change of said selected code element output means from inoperative to operative condition, whereby arcodeV signal is delivered by said selected code element output `means which represents the same item of information as the particular intypewriter equipped with means for carrying out the invention;

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 -together represent a schematic circuit diagram of an arrangement according to the invention, FIG. 2 constituting the right half of the diagram and FIG. 3 constituting the left half of the diagram, the connection between the two diagrams being represented by corresponding identical numerals 13-18 at the respective ends of the particular line portions of the circuit;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic lateral view of a type lever arrangement and drive means of an electrical typewriter together with some contacts operated by the `type lever arrangement and corresponding to certain contacts shown in FIGS. 2 and 3; and FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic lateral view of a shift key and self-locking shift key arrangement of a typewriter including `certain contact means corresponding to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Before entering into a description of the arrangement illustrated by the drawings, I wish to state that the arrangement according to the present invention comprises the characteristic feature of having a plurality of code element output means of any desired type and a plurality of selector means connected in parallel for selecting the circuit elements required for rendering the individual code element output means, according to the particular code system, operative and for substantially simultaneously connecting these output means with a source of electric energy. The selector means are under the control of contacts operated by the individual keys of the keyboard of the machine but the reaction time of these selector means is independent Vof the variable duration of the manual operation of the keys because the selector means are preferably relays Iwhich are normally energized through the key-controlled contacts which are connected in series, which act as circuit interrupting means and are arranged in groups and sub-groups for causing a reaction of those relays which by their combination represent in accordance with the desired code system that type of information with which the particular actuated key is associated. A highly advantageous feature of the arrangement according to the invention is that in any case machine.

According to the invention the relays constituting-the selector means are constructed to have an extremely short cut-off time and a preferablyl adjustable comparatively slow return time whereby the operation ofthe coding device is entirely independent from the duration of the depression of the individual keys.

The code element output means are preferably components of a perforating device for producing perforated coded tapes so that simultaneously with the typing or printing of an alpha-numeric text a punched or perforated tape is producedwhich stores in coded form the simultaneously typed or printed text.

It is further to be noted that the arrangement according to the invention is so constructed that the standard keyboard of a typewriter can be used without any change. Consequently, and due to the separation of typewriter, coding arrangement and perforator the entire arrangement is advantageously different from all known arrange-` ments provided for similar purposes.

On the other hand, the arrangement according to the invention makes it also possible to operate for instance a tape perforator fonming part of a Teletype arrangement by` means of a plurality of separate typewriters equipped with the coding arrangement according to the invention.

Since in standard tape perforating and teletyping arrangements it is necessary to switch from the transmission'of characters to the transmission of figures and symbols, and vice versa, it is to be noted that with the arrangement according -to the invention the standard' shift key arrangement of a typewriter can be used -for the just mentioned switching between different types of transmissions. lIn addition, a business machine according to the invention is equipped with blocking means for blocking the yoperation of all those keys which would produce items of information which are not desired to be used within the actually used code system.

The following description of a certain embodiment of the invention refers by way of example to a coding arrangement incorporated in a fully electrical typewriter capable of printing characters, iigures and symbols at a speed of 18 to 20 items per second. Moreover the illustrated arrangement serves to operate a tape perforator but, as mentioned above, the code element output means Ymay also be used analogously for issuing any other type of coded signals. The specific electrical components illustrated and described may be exchanged against equivalent other control or circuit components without departing fromthe essence of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. l illustrates a keyboard 1 of a fully electrical typewriter equipped with the specific arrangement according to the invention. As can be seen, all the character keys 2, and also the figure and symbol keys 3 are arranged as per the usual arrangement in a typewriter keyboard.

The entire coding arrangement according to the invention is rendered operative by means of a control member 4 arranged at the right-hand end of the keyboard 1 and marked with the position indications Off and On and voperating a main switch 5 which is shown in FIG. `3. Operatively connected with the switch 5 and the control member 4 is a mechanical blocking means 6 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4 whereby the character keys 2 can be blocked when the ligure and symbol keys 3 are to be used, and vice versa. p

y. The key 7 is the conventional back space key while for the shifting from line to line the shift key S marked LF is provided. The two keys 9 marked CR serve for causing the carriage return. The shift key 10, marked accordingly, serves for shifting from lower case characters to upper case characters. At the left-hand end of the keyboard keys 11 and 12 are provided by means of which, as will be described further below with reference to FIG. 5, during a coding operation the shift from transmitting characters to transmitting figures or symbols, or vice versa, is to be effected. Itis to be understood that the keys assigned to umlauts and as well as all those keys which are associated with controls or symbols` which are not to be translated into coded signals, e.g.`

arrasar' according to the international telegraphic code, are

' blocked during coded signal transmission by blocking means not shown in detail in the drawings.

Referring now to FIGS. '2 and 3, a source of energy -is provided by a transformer 62 connectable by lines 60 andl, upon closing of the main switch 5, to an outside source furnishing A.C. line Voltage. The secondary of the transformerV 62 is connected with a full-wave rectifier '39 so that at its negative and positive terminals direct current voltage is available. The positive terminal is connected by a line 131 to a junction point 40, while the negative terminal is connected to a line 13) which continues as a line 38 containing a resistor 37. From the junction point 40 positivevoltage is taken acros a resistor 41- and through line 20 (including the connecting terminals 13) to thevarious consumers of energy. On the other 'hand the negative potential is taken from line 33through line 46 to junction point 45 and across the connecting `terminals 14 into line 19 described further below.v

VIn the left upper portion of FIG. 3 a plurality of relay coils R1 to R5, R34 and R35 is shown which are connected at one end with line 38. The other ends of the just mentioned relay coils are connected through lines 24, 25, 30, 33, 34, 35 and 36, respectively, and through various junction points 23, 26, 27,- 29, respectively to a common junction point 21 carrying the positive potential supplied by line 20. Each of the above mentioned lines emanating from the positive ends ofthe various relay coils contains a series of normally closed contacts marked,

.for instance in'line 24, B1, D1, E etc., the marking of these various contacts indicating with which ones of the various keys 2, 3, etc. of the keyboard 1, respectively associated with the corresponding characters, figures or symbols, the particular contacts are operatively connected asidescribed further below. It is to be noted that the above mentioned coils R1-R5,'R34 and R35 constitute the energizing means of relays constituting the selector means according to the invention. The distribution of the Y various coils in relation tothe aboveL mentioned lines and :to 'the various normally closed contactstherein corre- -sponds to a standard international code system. The yentire arrangement of the normally closed contacts and theV distribution. of the corresponding lines in relation to the Various relay coils is so chosen that for no item of ,f information tobe transmitted to the code element output means described further below, more than two of the labove mentioned normally closed contacts are to be op- 4R4 and R5 because the line 31 is branched at junction point 32 into two lines' 33 and 34 leading to the coils' R4 andR5. Both these examples are in accordance with --the international code system used for instance for teletypewriter code perforated tapes, according to which the f character E is represented by only one hole in the first row ofholeswhile the letter B is illustrated by one hole infrthe iirst row, one hole in the fourth row andone holein lthel tfthQ-iFrom FIGS. 2 and 3 it` caneasily be seen that thevopening of contact B2 affects both the lines 33 and 34 and therefore boththe relay coils R4 and R5.

It is notbelieved to be necessary togo into details regarding the function of the various individual contacts.

As far as specific cases are concerned these will be discussed and described further below. Anyway, it can be` seen and understood readily that any one of the .contacts arranged between the junction points 21 and '23 will, when opened, deenergize two relays namely the coils R1 and R2. Similarly any contact between the junction points 29 and 32 will, when opened, deenergize simultaneously the coils R4 and R5. Any one of the contacts between the junction points 26 and 29 will, when opened, deenergize three relays namely the coils R3, R4 and R5. Finally two contacts Bu and RT are arranged in the positive potential line 2@ lahead of the junction point 21. Therefore opening of either one of these two contacts will deenergize all of the relay coils R1-R5, R34 and VR35. The function of the special contacts Bu and RT will be described further below. At this point it may sutce to state that the contact Bu is only'opened when by actuation of one of the keys 11 or 12 an'advance signal is to be transmitted announcing that thereafter either characters or figures and symbols will be transmitted. On the other hand, the contact RT is operated under the control of the return key switch RT shown in FIG. 3

and described further below.

In order to assist the reader in lproperly interpreting the circuit diagrams FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 it is to be understood that every one of the relays comprising the coils R1 to R5, R34 and R35 also comprise a plurality of relay contacts operated uponl energization ,or deenergization of the respective coils. For the sake of clarity of the diagrams the relay contacts operated by the respectivel coils are not shown in position adjacent to the respective coil but rather at that place in the circuit where they carry out their function. For the purpose of identification and correlation the various relay contacts operated by one particular relay coil are designated by r1, r2, r3 (whereever it is applied) with the addition of the designation of that coil which operates the particular contact. For instance, the coil R1 operates the contacts r1R1, r2R1, the coil R operates the contacts r1R35, r2R35 and r3R35'. The same system applies to other relays that will be described hereafter for instance the relay having the coil 48 and designated Imp. and the relay having the coils R1 to RIV and R11-RC. It is further to be understood that in FIGS. 2 and 3 all components are shown in normal position which they assume as soon as the main switch 5 is closed. This means that all the series-connected con tacts in the lines 22, 24, 25, 3G, 31, 33, 34, 35 and 36 are shown in closed position; the coils R1 to R5 and R34 and R35 are assumed to, be energized so that the contacts operated thereby are shown in the dellected position rev shown in their normal, not actuated position, and the 3.

relay coils R1-R1V and R11-RC are assumed not to be energized so that the contacts respectively operated there? `by are shown in their respective position of rest.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, thev relay coils R1-R5, R34 and R35 each operate one first relay contact r1R1, 1R2, r1R3, r1R4, r1R5, r1R34 and r1R35 connected in series with each other in the line 42 between junction points 40 and 44. The; function of these first contacts will be described4 further below. The second and third contacts operated by the above mentioned relay coilsk form part of the selector means and control the energy output lines 50, 51,

V52,y '53 and 54, respectively .which serve to complete a circuit between the negative terminal of rectifier 39 and the respective inputs of the code element output means 55-59. 'In the present example the Code element output means are shown as electromagnets suitable-for actuating-hole Ypunches of a perforator device VHP described further below. Again it is stressed herewith that these code element output means could as well be simply outputterminals for issuing signal combinations in iive channels corresponding to a live-element code. However,feven if any one or a plurality of the above mentioned second and third switch contacts operated by the coils R1 to R5, R34 and R35 are moved to closed position, the corresponding code element output `means 55-59 would not be rendered operative unless the relay contact rZImp is moved to closed position by energization of the ,corresponding relay coil turn, under the action of return means not showny but conventionally known, to their position of rest as soon as the respective relay coil is deenergized. The above de- V scribed selector relays are so constructed that they have an extremely brief cut-oit time while having a comparatively delayed responseor return when they are again energized. This has the effect that the above mentioned relays react immediatelywhen any one of the respective series-connected normally closed control contacts inlnes 24, 25, 22, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35 or` 36, or any one of the contactsjBuor RT is opened, even if this opening of any one of these contacts takes 'place during onlya very brief period of time i.e. a very short-time actuation vof there- Y spective keys of the keyboard. On the other hand, when therrespective key is released again so that the respective `contact is closed' again, therelay contacts controlled by the respective coils remain in their respective positionof rest forca vcertain `period of time depending upon the ,amount of delay in the return of therespective relay contacts jafter re-energization of the respective coil. Hereby a sui'ciently long energization of the code element output means is assured when any one or more of them is or are placed `in operative condition.V Y

Nowjthecontrol means for controlling the supply of energy` to the code element output means will be described with reference to FIG. 3. i As long as all of the coils R1 to R5, R34 and R55 are energized, their respective first contacts lrlRl, r1R2 etcpdescribed above andvcopnnected in series between the junction points 40.and 44 are held in the position shown in FIG. 3. In this position the free ends of these series-connected contacts are lin engagement e with the respective, stationary contacts 118 to 124. In-y Vserted inthe connection between the junction points 4() j `and 44 'is a capacitor V43 which, as canbe seen from the diagram, is kept in chargedjcondition as long as the seriesconnected'relay contacts between junction points 40 and 44 a'rein the `closed condition shown. A relay coil 48 Vis ,connectedin `a line 47 emanating from the junction point 44 and containing'psecond stationaryswitch contacts 111-117 which, are` so arranged that whenever any oneof:` the above mentioned series-connected relay lcon- .tactsinthe `line between junction-points 40-andV 44"re turns, under the` action of means Vnot shown, to its respective position ofr rest upon deenergization of the respective ,relay coil, acircuit is closed between one terminal of the capacitor43 through line 47 to 'therelay coil 48 so that the capacitor 43 is able tod'ischarge across this coil48. "Hereby the coil. 48 is energized and'move's ',certainrrelay contacts koperated thereby from' their position of rest into a circuit-closing position. The first 'one of these relay contacts namely rlImp `is connected together with a variable resistor 49` in parallel with thecapacitor 43 so that itsdischarge time is automatically regulated Ybythis parallel circuit whenever: the discharge of the capacitor 43 is started. The secondrelay contact operated by the coil 48 is the ahoveimentioned contact rZ'Imp so that, 'substantially simultaneously with the clos-V ing of` an output circuit for one or more of the code `element output means -59 also the energy supply from the .energy source 39, 62 is established viav the junction 'point 40: i

As can be seen from FIG. 3, some of the second and third relay contacts operated by the coils R34 andR35 are interconnected in sucha manner that upon energization of the just mentioned relay coils specific combinations of the code element output means 57, 58 and 59 are simultaneously effected. This is in accordance with the above mentioned international code system.

Under the assumption that in the `present embodiment, by way of example, the code element output means 55-59 areelectromagnets operating hole punches of a conventional perforator HP means are further provided for moving thetape across or through the perforator arrangement HP. These means may consist of a motor supplied from the outside source of energy via junction points 63 and 64 as soon as the main switch 5 is moved to closed position. The motor 65 drives the tape feed of the perforator HP by means of an electromagnetic clutch 66 as diagrammatically indicated. The electromagnet means of this clutch 66 may be energized for the purpose of transmitting power from the motor 65 to `the perforator, in two ways. Since every introduction of an item of information into` the coding arrangement according to the invention, or, in other words, every output of a code element combination requires a new position for the respective tape, every energization of the relay 48 is utilized, by the closing of the third relay contact r3Imp to connect the electromagnetic clutch 66 between line 130 and junction point 40.` The clutch 66 is to be assumed as being of the' conventional type which carries out upon every energization thereof only oneturn suicient and calculated to feed the tape in the perforator HP the desired distance requiredl for vmaking room for'the next .following perforation. However, there are certain cases when a different type of continuous tape feed is desired. In this case the manually operable switch 67 may be moved into closed position so that a continuous energy supply from junction point 40 into the clutch 66 can be eected. Finally, there are cases where a return or back movement of the tapeis desired while at the same time a previously produced set of punched holes is to be obliterated.` `Thiscan beetfected by manual operation of the switch `69 marked RT whereby an electromagnet` 68 is energized which, by conventional means `not shown, causes a' one-step return movement of the tape while `at the same time, through opening of the contact RT in FIG. 2 it causes all the hole punches energized bythe electromagnets 55-59 to punch an obliterating series of holes into the tape. f f f Referring now to FIG. 4, on the typewriter frame71, shown partly in section in a diagrammatic way, a support `strip 70 is `mounted in some suitable manner `which carries the sets of:` control contacts described above and arranged to control the relay coils R1-R5, R54 and R35, respectively. The arrangement is `such that the contacts to be voperated are so located' that they `can be actuated by with a further nipple 79 carried by` a separate elastic supportasshown in FIG.` 4)'jThe elastic vsupportg75- co- ,operatingwith the contact 73 and the elastic support carrying the `contactx73 constitute part of theline `24,'and similarly theielastiosupport 76 and thejelastic support carrying theV contact `74 `constitute part ofthe line 31 as intimated in dotted lines in FIG. 4. f

It will be .understood that the normally closed contacts 73` and 74l will be moved out'of contact with the corresponding blades 75 and 7 6, respectively, when the type lever' 80, `constituting a conventional part `of an electrically operated typewriter, is moved for the purpose of printing .in the direction of the arrow'93 so that the extension 8021 hits the nipple 79. Ina generally known manner the key 2 1s connected ,by the stem 81 with a `multi-arm lever 82 which is carried by links 33 and S4, swingable about respective pivots S and tid, so that upon actuation of key 2 the lever 82 moves in downward direction remaining parallel with itself. When this movement takes place the extension 32a actuates via conventional intermediate members a lever 89 pivoted at 91 so that the drive member 37 is caused to engage a continuous rotating drive roller S3 whereby the lever 89 obtains a rotary impulse about its pivot 92 (in lever Sti) and thereby causes the lever Sti to swing about its pivot 91D in the direction of the arrow 93. Consequently the extension titla, connected by a spring 94 with av point 91, is moved into engagement with the nipple 79 thereby opening the contact connection of the contacts 73, 74 with the respective blades 7S, 7 5.

It can be seen from FIG.V 4 that the arrangement of the contacts 73, 74 as normally closed contacts entails a furv 'ther advantage because, if the contac-ts 73, 74 were con- `to upper case letters While the self-locking shift key 11 serves to lock the shift key 12 in its depressed position. However, for the purposes of the present invention the self-locking shift key is so constructed in reference to the shift key 12 that the key 11 can be used additionally for effecting desired control operations of the electrical equipment described above.

The self-locking shift key 11 is operatively connected with the arrangement for shifting to typing upper case characters, otherwise not describedor shown in detail, by means of a lever 95 which is supported for movement parallelwith itself by means of links `96,197 pivotable about pivots 98, 99, respectively. In well-known mannerl the stem 100 carrying the key 11 is mounted pivotable at the pivot 16d on the, lever 95 and carries an eX- tension 101 which, in vdepressed position is capable of locking itself in that position Vby the engagement of the hook 1M with the edge of the holding device 103.

When the key 11 is depressed the forward end of lever 95 acts bymeans of the portion 106 on the normally closed contact arrangement Bu so as to open this contact As soon as the key 11 is the edge: of member 103 in a position slightly higher than its lowest position, the contact Bu is closed again.

, On the other hand the stem of key 12 is not directly 'connected with lever 95 but has a lateral projection 150 in tive arrangement of contacts operated by the respective coils just mentioned above. Interposed in the respective 'connections between line Ztl and the corresponding ends of the above mentioned relay coils of the first and second group are switch contacts of which the contact A is manually operable, for instance by operation of the key 9 in FIG. 1, while the other contacts rlRA, rlRB, rlRC, rlRI, RIRH and RlRm are moved form their shown positions, respectively, into their second position by the energization of the respective relay coil designated according to the above described system. As can be seen each of the just described switch contacts is connected at one end across a capacitor CI, CH, Cm, CIV, CA, CB and CC, respectively with the common supply line 19. It can be seen further, that in normal position the switch contact A connects the respective capacitor CI continuously with the supply lines 19 and 20 so that the capaci-tor C1 is ordinarily charged. In contrast therewith, the other above mentioned capacitors of this automatic control arrangement are normally disconnected from the line '20 by the normal position of the respective relay contacts so that these capacitors are normally not charged.

As will become apparent from the description below of the operation of the entire arrangement, the just described automatic control arrangement serves the only purpose to produce automatically a code signal composed of four consecutive code signals, or in the case of per- `forating a tape, a consecutive series of four perforations whenever the control command for carriage return .is given because such a series of perforations is required if the perforated tape is used for controlling a card puncher.

Operation For Aall practical purposes, in an embodiment of the invention incorporating code element output means servicing a tape perforator, the various components of the arrangement are so arranged, thatthe energy supply 39, `62, theone-turn clutch 66 and the output electromagnets S-S are comprised in the perforatorHP not otherwise illustrated in detail. It may be further assumed that this perforator arrangement including the above mentioned components is connected with the typewriter, not shown in detail, by means of a cable and a multi-prong plugand socket connection.

All the control elements existing within the typewriter i arey passive elements. All the relay coils R1 to R5, R34 and R35 are, as soon as the main switch 5 is closed, in energized condition across all the contacts mounted on the support strip V'tl shown in FIG. 4. Whenever one of the keys 2 is actuated the respective normally closed set of contacts, for instance 73, 7 4, .is actuated by the lever extension Stia so that these contacts 73, 'Mare opened which upon depression of key 12 forces the lever 95 downiowever the stem of key 12 has an extension 194 ltlwhich, in the lowest position of key 12 enters between `the contact members of the above mentioned contact Fg connected in the line V52 so as to interrupt the circuit for the code element output means 57. `This is in accordance with the .standardized code signal desiredto be furnished when the key 12 isV depressed. A t

The diagram 'of FIG. 2 further shows'an automatic `control arrangement arranged between the lines 19and '2.0. Through the common connection terminals 13 and '14, respectively,` the lines 19 and'Zt are constantly sup- .plied -with'v negative and positive potential, respectively. -A rst and a second group of relays is connected between lines 19 and 20 in the following manner. The irst group of relays comprises the relay coils RI, RH, RHI and RIV. Thesecond group comprisesthe relay coils RA, RB and rangement in view of the specific interconnection and rela- All these relay fcoils are connected in a cascade ar.

without bouncing as described above. Those relay coils which are connected in circuit with the particular opened control contacts, namely one or more of the relay coils R1 to R5, R34 and R35, are deenergized and thereby the respective relay contacts for instance 73, 74, areimmediately opened even if the respective key 2is only lightly touched. The provided return delay of the just mentioned relays causes the respective relay contacts rlRl, HRZ, r1R3, r1R4, rlR, HRS., and r1R35 to remain in their respective second position long enough to assure that the minimum energization period of the relay coil 48 is suiiicient ror to cause the required low of energy through the output `lines Sti-54 and, in the present example, the energization of the electromagnets 55 to 59 and of the electromagnetic Vclutch 66 so as to enable the latter elements to carry out their assigned function.

Specifically, the operation of the arrangement will now be described by way of example in reference to the actuation of the character key B. As mentioned above, in a tive element code system this may require the punching of one hole each in the first, fourthand fifth rowof the tape to be perforated.

In the manner above described, the extension a of the lever 80 opens upon actuation of the key 2 the normally closed contacts 73 and 74 which appear in the diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 3 as contacts B1 and B2, respectively. The contact'Bl is located in the line 24 of the relay `coi1R1, while the contact B2 is located in the line 31 which leads both to the relay coils R4 and R5. Consequently, the opening of the contacts B1 and B2 deenergizes the relay coils R1, R4 and R5. Hereby the respective change-over relay contacts r1R1, r1R4 and r1R5 in line 42 are moved .to their respective second position whereby Vthe previously charged capacitor 43 is connected via line 47 `across the `relay coil 48. Consequently this relay coil 48 is energized and moves the respective relay contacts rllmp, rzlmp and ralmp into closed position.

Simultaneously with the just mentioned change-over relay contacts also the second selector relay contacts 1^2R1, rZR.,` and r2R5 are permitted to drop olf and to close in their respective position of rest the circuits for the output lines 50, 53 and-54 whereby in the present example the electromagnets 55, 58 and 59, respectively, for operating the corresponding perforating punches are made ready for energization. Y

The just mentioned electromagnets are now energized inV view of the closing of the contacts rzlmp which may have occurred immediately before the closing of the output circuits 55, 58 and 59, or immediately thereafter, the relative duration of the energization of the relay coilsl of the selector'arrangement and of the relay 4-8 being adjusted properly in relation to each other. It can be seen that in this manner any desired combination of code elements `or code signals will be automatically produced in a manis desirable and advantageous, more lrapidly than the elec- `tromagneticmeans ofthe clutch 66,. @Thus thek desired `perforation will be effected before the engagement of the clutch members of the clutch `66 causesa one-step feed movement of the tapewhich is being perforatedj As a Vmatter offact a desired difference in the speed of operati've response of the electromagnets 55-59, on one hand, andthe electromagnetic `clutch 66, on the other hand,

A"can easilybe predetermined by Vsuitableselection of the V`1"espectiveidatai for these electiomagnets. v f

The duration of the current ow for the electromagnets 55"-59 and for the electromagnetic clutch 66 is determined generally by the parameters of the relay coilm48, and the duration of the energization of this coil 48 is, in turn, predetermined by the discharge time of the capacitor 43.

The Ycapacitor 43discharges only after the relay coil 48 has been energized and has moved its respective contacts, and in particular therdischarge of the capacitor 43 takes place across the relay controlled contact rlImp and the vadjustable resistor 49 the resistance whereof is smaller than that of the coil 48. Ofcourse,` the discharge time Y of the capacitor 43 can be varied and adjusted by varying;,r; selecting the magnitude of the resistance of the .resistor49. i

` The electromagnets 55-59 or any selected ones thereof causethe perforation of the tape in the perforator HP.

This Vis doneduring the period of time required for one revolution of the one-turn clutch 66.n Details of the per- .`forator do not require any description since these are well-known in theart and do not form part of this invention. Within the same period of time the tapeV is moved ,forward one step in conventional manner.

Returning to the above described example of producing a code element combination representing the character B in the form of a corresponding perforation of the tape, it will be understood that after the deenergization of the relay coil 48, after re-energization of the relay coils R1, R4 and R5, and after re-charging the capacitor 43, the whole arrangement is again ready for dealing with the next item of information to be processed.

As mentioned above, the switching from the transmission of characters to the transmission of letters and symbols is carried out by using the conventional mechanism for switching the typewriter from lower case characters to upper case characters with the only difference that the self-locking shift key11 which also actuates the lever 95 and the Contact Bu, can be operated independently of the key 12 because the lateral projection 150 of the key arrangement 12 only abuts against lever 95. Consequently, the key 11 is used for switching in thepresent example to the transmission of upper case characters while at'the same time a blocking arrangement, not shown in detail in the drawings, is operated for blocking the figure keys 3 and also causes the issue and transmission of a coded signal announcing the start of transmission of characters by means of an output of energy through the output lines StD-to 59 simultaneously whereby in the present example all of the hole punches of the perforator are operated simultaneously in accordance with the international code.

Whenever it is desired to issue the above mentioned announcement signal, the key 11 is actuated as explained above so that by depressing the lever with its member 106 the contacts Bu (FIGS. 2 and 5) are separated and the circuit correspondingly interrupted. The circuit interruption atV the contacts Bu occurs at the moment when the hook portion 102 of the` extension 191 is in its lowest position. However as soon as this hook 102 slips around the `lower V'edge of the member 103 into its locking position Vthe member 106 moves just enough in upward direction topcrrnit the contact Bu to close again. In this position of the kself-locking key 11 all the figure andV symbol -keys `3 are mechanically blocked against operation by conventional blocking means not shown in the drawing `so thatnow only those items of information, in particular upper case characters, can be typed (and correspondingly converted into code element combinations) which are ordinarily typed or printed by actuation of the character keys 2 when the shift keys 11 or 12 are actuated. After the key 11 has been actuated and ispositioned in its locked position, the contacts Bu being closed again, the normal` operation of the above described arrangement may be carried out so as to transmit code element combinations via the Ycode element output means in the above described manner. v

If it `is desired, after characters have been Atyped and transmitted in the manner above while the self-locking lthe actuation of key `12 and consequent depression of lever 95 has also caused, by the member 150 abutting ,against 1ever`i95, the latter to be slightlydepressed so `transmission of letters.

the international codes for announcing `the transmission of figures differs from the coded signal announcing the Therefore, either before the opening of the contact Bu or at least simultaneously therewith, thecontact members of the contact Zi (FIGS. `3

and 5) arranged within the output line S2, are separated in the following manner. An extension of the stem 104 of the key 12 carries a pin 107 movable in longitudinal direction and guided by the bracket 169 while being resiliently supported by the spring lik?, and the pin 107 terminates in a blade 108 preferably of insulating material, which, as can be seen from FIG. 5, will wedge itself, upon depression of key 12, between the contact members of the contact Zi and thereby interrupt the output line 52. Consequently the opening of the contact Bu will result in a signal composed of code elements transmitted lonly through the lines 50, 51, 53 and 54 to the code output elements 55, 56, 58 and 59, respectively,

,which is in accordance with the international code.

In those cases where the coding arrangement according to the invention is used for operating a perforator device for tape, as described and illustrated, and if it is desired that as Va 4further step punched cards are punched or perforated in accordance with the perforation of the tapein the perforator HP, then it is necessary that, together with each operation of the carriage return, four different code signals are automatically transmitted and converted into `corresponding coded perforations of the tape. For this purpose the automatic control arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2 is provided. The operation of` this automatic control arrangement is started whenever by actuation of one of the carriage return keys 9 (FIG. l) simultaneously the switch A (FIG. 2) is moved from its normal position shown in FIG. 2 to its second position.

-When this is done the capacitor C1 is able to discharge across the `relay`coil RI. Consequently the corresponding relay contact rlRI is moved by the energization of vthe coil R1 topits second position whereby the capacitor CA is placed between lines 19 and 20 and is correspondingly charged. However, in the meantime the capacitor CI has discharged so that the contact rlRI returns again to its normal position as shown in FIG. 2. Hereby the now charged capacitor CA is connected in circuit with the relay coil RA so that the latter is ener- Agized by the discharge of capacitor CA and moves the corresponding contact-HRA to its second position whereby, lin a manner similar to that describedabove now the capacitor CII is charged. In the meantime the capacitor CA has discharged across the -coil RA so that the contact n 'rlRA yreturns to its normal position whereby the relay coil RII is energized by the discharge of they charged capacitory CH. The same procedure repeats and continues" in an analogous manner until also the relay coils 'R3 and finally R4 have been `energized and again` deener- "gized," whilev the corresponding contacts have been operated. t

It will be understood that the automatic control accord- 'ing to FIG. 2 comprisesftwo groups of relays, namely opened ATwould' normally produce a signal indicating' according to theintern'ational codethe letter S but indicates V"also according to the code the signal Bell; the coil RH also operates the normally closed contact r2RH which furnishes', when opened, a signal CR indiveating carriagereturni the coils Rm operates also a normally closed contact rZRm which furnishes,'when "open, a signal vir'idicating according tothe international Code LF meaningY line shift;y finally the coil RIV also operates two contacts, namely thelnormally closed, contact rgRIvin line 221 and. the normally closed contact raRIV inline 31, the 'simultaneous opening of these last i fmentioned two contacts resulting a coded signal' indicating that figures are going to beL transmitted in accordance with'the depression of the kei/:12 as described above. It will -now be understood that the consecutiveoperations of the just mentioned control relays comprising the coils RI to RIV are timed and controlled by the operation of the first group of relays comprising the relays RA to RC so that predetermined time intervals are provided between the consecutive automatic operation of the control relays.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of a coding arrangeient, particularly suitable for being incorporated in a business machine differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a business machine adapted to be used for printing different items of information such as characters, gures andY symbols and comprising a coding arrangement, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made withoutdeparting in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

i Without further analysis, 'the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others'can by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to Vbe comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired tobe secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In an information handling machine, particularly in a business machine adapted for printing different items of information such as lcharacters including letters, figures and symbols, a coding arrangement, comprising, in combination, a plurality of information input means including each a type printing member movable between an idle position and a printingposition, each of said information input means being respectively associated with a different item of information and each including `at least one and a maximum of `two normally closed circuit interrupting means, but at least one of said information input means including two of said circuit interrupting means, the circuit interrupting means of each particular information input means being associated with, and movable to open position by, a different one of said type printing merribers, -a plurality of groups of said circuit interrupting v means being formed each by series-connection of a different seleotion of said circuit interrupting means forming part of said plurality of information input means, each of said groups constituting a control circuit portion; a plurality of code element output means each individually changeable between an inoperative and an operative condition, selected combinations of at a given moment operative ones and inoperative ones of said code element out- -put means, respectively, Vrepresenting different code combinations respectively associated with different ones of vsaiditerns of information; a source of energy; and circuit means operatively interconnecting said source of energy,

-- said control circuit portions formed by said groups of circuit interrupting means and said'code element output means for changing selected lcombinations -thereof between inoperative and operative condition so as to represent thereby a selected code combination correspondin-g to a selected item of information whenever a type printing member associated with that particular selected item of information is -moved to printing position, the

respectively associated circuitinterrupting means bein-g ythereby moved to open position, the movement of atleast one and a maximum of two predetermined selected circuit circuit interrupting means irrespective of theduration ofl the resulting circuit interruption, and for rendering, upon actuation of a particular one of said information input means, at least one selected one of said code element output means ready for being changed Afrom inoperative to operative condition so as to predetermine thereby a particular combination of operative and inoperative code element output means which represents the same item of information as said particular actuated information input means, and control means actuatable by any one of said information input means for connecting, upon actuation of said particular information input means, said source `of energy with those selected code elementoutput means which are rendered ready for being changed from inoperative to operative condition within said particular combination thereof, and for thereby effecting the change of `said selected` code element output means from inoperative to operative condition, whereby a code signal is delivered by said selected code element output means which Y represents the same item of information as the particular .information inputmeans that is being'actuated for printing such item.

3. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim 2, wherein said selector means comprise a plurality of relay means, each of said relay means having a normally energized coil connected with said source of energy in series with a predetermined number of said circuit interrupting means, and a plurality of switch means held in a first position as long as the respective coil is energized and moving to a secondposition when the respective c'oil is deenergized, at least one of said' switch means of each of said relay means being connected between said information output means and at least one of said code element output means, respectively, for closing a circuit portion between said information input means and the respective code element output `means when the' respective switch means is `in its second position. 4. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein `said circuit means include automatic4 control means comprising a plurality of second relay means in cascade arrangement, `each of said second relay'means being connected to be energized by said source of energy and each comprising a coiL-a capacitorA and a first switch movable vbetween-jone` position disconnecting the respective coil andconnecting the respective capacitor Vwith said source of energy for charging the same, and another position disconnecting the respective capacitor-from said source and connecting the same [in series with the respective coil soas to cause energization thereof by discharge ofthe respective capacitor, each ofsaid rst switches of said when said control member is actuated by operation of either one of said shift key means and self-locking shift key means, whereby a plurality of said code element output means are changed to operative condition simultaneously; wherein said self-locking shift key means are so constructed that said switch device is moved -to open position by said control member only temporarily during the loperation of said self-locking key means shortly before the latter reaches its locked position; wherein said self-locking shift key means comprises means for preventing the operation `of those of said key members which are associated with` items of information comprising tigures and symbols; wherein said shift key means comprises means for preventing the operation of those of said key members 'which are associated with items of information comprising characters; and wherein said shift key means comprises an actuating member, and a normally closed switching device operable by said actuating member so as to open the respective circuit when said shift key means is operated, said switching device being connected in circuit with one selected one of said code element output means, whereby upon operation of said shift key means alone all of said code element output means except said selected one are changed from inoperative to operative condition; said business machine further cornprising a main switch for rendering said source of energy operative with respect to said circuit means, `and a consecond' relay means\with the exception of one thereof,

being movable-from said other .position to said one position by: energization of the coil of a Vdifferent one of `said Vcoils of said secondvrelay means while returning automatically to Ysaid other positionupon deenergization of the respectivecoil, said first switch of` said Yone excepted Y t relay means being normally in said one position and being movable` manually into said Vother position, a selected group of said second relay means, including said excepted one, havingat -leastone second normally closed switch movable to open position upon energization of` the respective coil and connected inl series .with said series of circuit interrupt-ing means connected with the normally en# erigized coils, respectively, of selected ones of said .relay :means of `said selector means. Y

5. A business vmachine as claimed in claim '4, wherein said `information input meansfurther comprise a shift key means, and a self-locking shift key means operable Y `independently of said shift key means,4 anda control mem-berloperable by either onetofsaidshiftkey `means t and self-locking shift key means, and wherein saidz circuit tmeans comprise Va normally `closed `switch device connected in the circuit between said source of energy and said selector means and operatively arranged relative to said controlmember so as to be movedk to open position i`n their second position.

,in for each of said code element output means a different one of said relay means i-s provided andrespectively associated therewith, said one switch means of each of said relay means being connected between said information input means and the respectively associated code element output means, and :wherein `additional ones'of said relay means are provided and associatedrespectively with a plurality of said code element output means, said additional relay means includingV a plurality of switch means connected ybetween said information input means and a predetermined plurality of said code element output means for closingla circuit portion between said information input means ,and a plurality o f said code element output means when the respective plurality of switch means is 7. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim 2, whererin said selector means comprise a plurality of relay means,

each of said relay means Ahaving a normally energized coil connected with said source of energy in series with a predetermined number of said circuit interrupting means, and a-plurality of switch means held ina rst position as long.` as the respective coil is energized and moving to a second position whenthc respective coil is deenergized, `at least one of said switch means of each of said relay means being connected between said control means and :at least one of said code element output means, respectively, for closing a circuit portion between said infor- Amation input means and the respective code element output means when the respective switch means 1s 1n its second position. y 8. A coding arrangement as claimed 1n claim 1, wherevin saidl normallyenergized relay means are constructed -to `operate with extremely rapid cut-otfwhen deenergized,

and-with slow return when energized thereafter.

9. A` coding arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein said information input means comprise a control relay -fhavin g a coil and` atleast one switch contact means movable from a circuit-opening position to a circuit-closing position when tsaid coil of said control relay is energized,

fem

said switch contact means being connected between said source of energy and said circuit portion so as to close a circuit between said source and atleast said one of said switch means of any one of said relay means which is in said second position, said information input means further comprising an impulse source and an auxiliary-circuit means connected with said coil of said control relay and including a plurality of series-connected switch means, each of said series-connected switch means being held in a `first position by a different one of said normally energized coils, respectively, of said relay means so as to prevent energization of said coil of said 'control relay, and being moved, upon deenergization ofthe respective one of said relay means, to a second position in ywhich said auxiliary circuit is closed between said coil and said impulse source so as to energize said control relay.

10. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim 9, wherein said information input means comprise a control relay having a coil and at least one switch contact means movable :from a circuit-opening position to a circuit-closing position when said coil of said control relay is energized, said switch contact means being connected between said source of energy and said circuit portion so as to close a circuit between said source and at least said one of said switch means of any one of said relay means which is in said second position, said information input means lfurther comprising an impulse source and an auxiliary-circuit means connected with said coil of said control relay and including a plurality of series-connected switch means, each of said series-connected switch means being held in a first position by a different one of said normally energized coils, respectively, of said relay means so as to prevent energization of said coil of said control relay, and being moved, upon deenergization of the respective one of said relay means, yto a second position in which said auxiliary circuit is closed between said coil and said impulse -source so as to energize said control relay.

11. A business machine as claimed -in vclaim 10, wherein a tape feeding device is provided for moving a tape past said electromagnetic hole puncher devices, said tape feeding device comprising a drive motor and electromagnetic one-turn clutch means for controlling the driving action of said motor, and wherein said control relay has a second switch contact means movable from a circuit-opening position to a circuit-closing posit-ion when said coil of said control relay is energized, said second switch contact means being connected between said source of energy and said electro-magnetic clutch means for energizing the latter when said control relay is energized.

12. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein a switch is connected in parallel with said second switch Contact means, for arbitrarily energizing said clutch means for an indefinite period independently of said control means.

13. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim 2, comprising a keyboard including a plurality of key members respectively associated an-d operatively connected with said type printing members :for actua-ting the latter.

14. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim .13, comprising a main switch for rendering said source of energy operative wi-th respect to said circuit means, and a control member operatively connected with said main switch` for actuating the latter and arranged in the area of said keyboard.

15. A business machine as claimed in claim 14, including blocking means operatively connected with said control member for bein-g actuated together with said main switch, said blocking means serving to prevent operation of those of said key members which are associated with items of information which are not to be converted into code element combinations.

16. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim 13 wherein said information input means further comprise a shift key means, and a self-locking shift key means operable independently of said lshift key means, and a control member operable by either one of said shift key means and self-locking shift key means, and wherein said circuit means comprise a normally closed switch device connected in the circuit between said-source of energy and said selector means Aand operatively arranged relative to said control member so as to be moved to open position when said control member is actuated by opera-tion of either one of said shift key means and self-locking shift key means, whereby a plurality of said code element output means are changed to operative condition simultaneously, said self-locking shift key means comprising means for preventing the operation of those of said key members which are associated with items of information comprising figures and symbols.

17. A business machine as claimed in 'claim 16, wherein said self-locking shift key means are so constructed that said switch device is moved to open position by said control member only temporarily during the operation of said self-locking key means shortly before the latter reaches its locked position.

18. A coding arrangement as claimed in claim 13,

wherein said information input means further comprise a shift key means, and a self-locking shift key means op erable independently of said shift key means, and a control member operableby either one of said shift key means and self-locking shift key means, and wherein said circuit means comprise a normally closed switch device connected in the circuit between said source of energy and said selector means and operatively arrangedrelative to said control member so as to be moved to open position when said control member is actuated by operation of either one of said shift key means and self-locking shift key means, whereby a plurality of said code element output means are `changed to operative condition simultaneously, said self-locking shift key means comprisin7 means for preventing the operation of those of said key members which are associated with items of information comprising characters.

19. A business machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein said shift key means comprises an actuating member, and a normally closed switching `device operable by said actuating member so as to open the respective circuit when said shift key means is operated, said switching device being connected in circuit with one selected one of said code element output means, whereby upon operation of said shift key means alone all of said code element output means except said selected one are changed from inoperative to operative condition.

20. In an information handling machine, especially in a business machine adapted to be used for printing different items of information such as letters in lower and upper case, figures and symbols, and to issue correspond- `ing output signals respectively representing such items of information, a control arrangement, comprising, in combination, keyboard means including a plurality of key members respectively associated with said different items of information for selectively causing printing of the respective items of information and for causing the release of corresponding output signals; a first shift key means Ifor causing when actuated said key members to print upper case letters and symbols, respectively, instead of lower case letters and figures, respectively; and a selflocking second shift key means for causing when actuated said key members to print upper case letters and symbols, respectively, instead of lower case letters and figures, respectively, and being adapted to -lock itself in actuated position until released, said self-locking second shift key means being actuatable independently of said first shift key means, and said first shift key means cooperating with said second shift key means in such a manner that when said first shift key means is actuated while said second shift key means is locked in said actuated position sai-d second shift key means is released to its normal position, said self-locking second shift key means including control contact means actuatable by the movement of said secondv shift key nins from its normal positionY 21. A control arrangement `as claimed in claim 20,

wherein said rst shift key means inclu-des actuating means cooperating with sa-id second shift key means for causing when said iirst shift key means is actuated said second shift key means to actuate said control contact means.

22.'A control `arrangement as claimed in claim 21, wherein `said actuating means are so adjusted that by actuation` of said first shift key means said second shift key means when locked inV actuated posit-ion is released to its normal position.

23. An arrangement as claimed in claim 22, wherein said rst shift key means includes second control contact means actuatable by the movement of said first shift key means to its `position in which said first mentioned control 4contact means is actuated, said second control contact means being adapted to change when actuated said advance output signal to a second advance output signal representing an advance announcement of transmission of output signals representing figures.

24. An arrangement as claimed in claim 23, wherein said control contact means are"A normally closed and said self-'locking second shift key means includes an actuating member arranged for moving `said control contact means `to lopen position only at the end of the movement of said second shift key means before the latter assumes locked position and to permit return of said control contact means to closed position when said second shift key means assumes said locked position, and wherein said rst shift key means includes a second actuating member arranged for moving said second control contact means to open position during actuation of said first shift key means at the latest simultaneously with the moving of said first mentionedcontrol contact means to open position `when this is effected by actuation of said first shift key means, said second actuating member being resi-liently supported in said rst shift key means so as to permit actuation of said second control contact means before actuation of said first mentioned control contact means.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,265,229 Gouwitzer Dec. 9, 1941 2,543,435 Buckley .ses 27, 1951 2,902,092 Hildebrandt Sept. 1, 1959 

1. IN AN INFORMATION HANDLING MACHINE, PARTICULARLY IN A BUSINESS MACHINE ADAPTED FOR PRINTING DIFFERENT ITEMS OF INFORMATION SUCH AS CHARACTERS INCLUDING LETTERS, FIGURES AND SYMBOLS, A CODING ARRANGEMENT, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A PLURALITY OF INFORMATION INPUT MEANS INCLUDING EACH A TYPE PRINTING MEMBER MOVABLE BETWEEN AN IDLE POSITION AND A PRINTING POSITION, EACH OF SAID INFORMATION INPUT MEANS BEING RESPECTIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH A DIFFERENT ITEM OF INFORMATION AND EACH INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE AND A MAXIMUM OF TWO NORMALLY CLOSED CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS, BUT AT LEAST ONE OF SAID INFORMATION INPUT MEANS INCLUDING TWO OF SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS, THE CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS OF EACH PARTICULAR INFORMATION INPUT MEANS BEING ASSOCIATED WITH, AND MOVABLE TO OPEN POSITION BY, A DIFFERENT ONE OF SAID TYPE PRINTING MEMBERS, A PLURALITY OF GROUPS OF SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS BEING FORMED EACH BY SERIES-CONNECTION OF A DIFFERENT SELECTION OF SAID CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS FORMING PART OF SAID PLURALITY OF INFORMATION INPUT MEANS, EACH OF SAID GROUPS CONSTITUTING A CONTROL CIRCUIT PORTION; A PLURALITY OF CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS EACH INDIVIDUALLY CHANGEABLE BETWEEN INOPERATIVE AND AN OPERATIVE CONDITION, SELECTED COMBINATIONS OF AT A GIVEN MOMENT OPERATIVE ONES AND INOPERATIVE ONES OF SAID CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS, RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING DIFFERENT CODE COMBINATIONS RESPECTIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT ONES OF SAID ITEMS OF INFORMATION; A SOURCE OF ENERGY; AND CIRCUIT MEANS OPERATIVELY INTERCONNECTING SAID SOURCE OF ENERGY, SAID CONTROL CIRCUIT PORTIONS FORMED BY SAID GROUPS OF CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS AND SAID CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS FOR CHANGING SELECTED COMBINATIONS THEREOF BETWEEN INOPERATIVE AND OPERATIVE CONDITION SO AS TO REPRESENT THEREBY A SELECTED CODE COMBINATION CORRESPONDING TO A SELECTED ITEM OF INFORMATION WHENEVER A TYPE PRINTING MEMBER ASSOCIATED WITH THAT PARTICULAR SELECTED ITEM OF INFORMATION IS MOVED TO PRINTING POSITION, THE RESPECTIVELY ASSOCIATED CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS BEING THEREBY MOVED TO OPEN POSITION, THE MOVEMENT OF AT LEAST ONE AND A MAXIMUM OF TWO PREDETERMINED SELECTED CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS CAUSING SAID CHANGE OF THE CORRESPONDING CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS FROM INOPERATIVE TO OPERATIVE CONDITION.
 2. A CODING ARRANGEMENT AS CLAMED IN CLAIM 1, SAID CIRCUIT MEANS FURTHER INCLUDING SELECTOR MEANS RESPONDING TO ACTUATION OF ANY ONE OF SAID INFORMATION INPUT MEANS AND TO THE RESULTING ACTUATION OF THE RESPECTIVE CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING MEANS IRRESPECTIVE OF THE DURATION OF THE RESULTING CIRCUIT INTERRUPTION, AND FOR RENDERING, UPON ACTUATION OF A PARTICULAR ONE OF SAID INFORMATION INPUT MEANS, AT LEAST ONE SELECTED ONE OF SAID CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS READY FOR BEING CHANGED FROM INOPERATIVE TO OPERATIVE CONDITION SO AS TO PREDETERMINED THEREBY A PARTICULAR COMBINATION OF OPERATIVE AND INOPERATIVE CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS WHICH REPRESENTS THE SAME ITEM OF INFORMATION AS SAID PARTICULAR ACTUATED INFORMATION INPUT MEANS, AND CONTROL MEANS ACTUATABLE BY ANY ONE OF SAID INFORMATION INPUT MEANS FOR CONNECTING, UPON ACTUATION OF SAID PARTICULAR INFORMATION INPUT MEANS, SAID SOURCE OF ENERGY WITH THOSE SELECTED CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS WHICH ARE RENDERED READY FOR BEING CHANGED FROM INOPERATIVE TO OPERATIVE CONDITION WITHIN SAID PARTICULAR COMBINATION THEREOF, AND FOR THEREBY EFFECTING THE CHANGE OF SAID SELECTED CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS FROM INOPERATIVE TO OPERATIVE CONDITION, WHEREBY A CODE SIGNAL IS DELIVERED BY SAID SELECTED CODE ELEMENT OUTPUT MEANS WHICH REPRESENTS THE SAME ITEM OF INFORMATION AS THE PARTICULAR INFORMATION INPUT MEANS THAT IS BEING ACTUATED FOR PRINTING SUCH ITEM. 